NEW YORK, NNC - United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday (12/6/2017) he "oppose any unilateral action that would jeopardize the prospects of peace for Palestine and Israel".

"Since the first day as a UN Secretary General, I have constantly expressed opposition to any unilateral action that would jeopardize the peace prospects for Palestine and Israel," he told reporters after United States (US) President Donald Trump announced the United States formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

"Jerusalem is a final status issue that must be resolved through direct negotiations between the two parties on the basis of a resolution concerning the General Assembly and the Security Council, taking into account the legitimate rights of both parties, Palestine and Israel," Guterres said.

"I understand the deep bond that Jerusalem has in the hearts of so many people, it has been around for centuries, and will continue to be so," Guterres said, as quoted by Xinhua and monitored by Antara in Jakarta on Thursday (12/7) morning.

"At this time of great anxiety, I would like to clarify: there is no choice but a two-state solution. There is no plan B," he added.

"Only by realizing the vision of two coexisting countries in peace, security and mutual recognition with Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and Palestine, and all final status issues resolved permanently through negotiations, the legitimate aspirations of both nations will be achieved," said the UN leader.

"As a Secretary-General of the United Nations, I will do everything I can to support the Palestinian and Israeli leaders to return to meaningful negotiations and realize this vision of lasting peace for both nations," he said.

On Wednesday morning, Trump officially announced its decision on Jerusalem, despite warnings from Arab and European Union leaders, who opposed it because such an act would fuel tensions and ignite unrest in the Middle East.

Before Trump announced his decision, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesman warned of the dangerous consequences it has of the peace process, security and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.